Greece and Turkey are experiencing an unseasonably cold spell this weekend, with temperatures plunging well below average for early May. An area of low pressure over Turkey is drawing cold, moisture-laden air from the north-east via the Black Sea, suppressing temperatures across the region. In Ankara, temperatures on Monday are expected to peak at just 7°C, nearly 14°C below average, while Athens saw only low teens Celsius, far from the typical mid-20s.
Gale-force winds have lashed the South Aegean islands, with gusts reaching around 60mph on Sunday evening. Heavy rain has also hit Turkey, with Central Anatolia receiving half its usual monthly rainfall in just 24 hours. Higher elevations have seen a return to winter, with up to 30cm of fresh snow forecast across the Anti-Taurus Mountains on Monday and Tuesday.
In contrast, Central Europe is enjoying a burst of early-summer heat, with temperatures running around 10°C above average. Warsaw is forecast to reach nearly 31°C on Tuesday, around 12°C above its usual 19°C. Katowice is also set for 29°C. However, a cold front is expected to sweep in from the north by midweek, bringing thunderstorms and an abrupt end to the warm spell.
In Asia, severe thunderstorms are forecast for north-eastern India and Bangladesh, known locally as kalboisakhi. The India and Bangladesh Meteorological Departments have issued alerts for intense downpours, with up to 100mm possible in 24 hours. Hazards include damaging hail, strong winds, and frequent lightning. The sloped terrain along the Himalayan foothills raises the risk of flash flooding and landslides.
